Copyright © 2001 by Paul Howarth
All Rights Reserved

The maiden sat at her busy wheel,
Her heart was light and free.
And ever in cheerful song broke forth
Her bosom's harmless glee.
Her song was in mockery of love
And oft I heard her say
"The gather'd rose and the stolen heart
Can charm but for a day,
The gather'd rose and the stolen heart
Can charm, can charm but for a day."

I look'd on the maiden's rosy cheek
And her lips so full and bright.
And I sigh'd to think that the traitor love,
Should conquer a heart so light.
But she thought not of future days of woe,
While she caroll'd in tones so gay:
"The gather'd rose and the stolen heart
Can charm but for a day,
The gather'd rose and the stolen heart
Can charm, can charm but for a day."

A year pass'd on and again I stood
By the humble cottage door,
The maid sat at her busy wheel
But her look was blithe no more.
A big tear stood in her downcast eye,
And with sighs I heard her say,
"The gather'd rose and the stolen heart
Can charm but for a day,
The gather'd rose and the stolen heart
Can charm but for a day."

By Arthur Sullivan
Generated by NoteWorthy Composer

The Maiden's Story
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